CTAL-TM Sample Questions Answers

If reviewers do not have an adequate level of technical knowledge, they may not be able to identify and describe anomalies in the product or project under review1. They may also not be able to provide constructive feedback or suggestions for improvement2. This can result in a less efficient review, as the review objectives may not be met, the review process may take longer, or the review outcome may be of lower quality3. Therefore, option C is the correct answer. Option A is incorrect because having sufficient business knowledge is not enough to perform a technical review, as business knowledge does not cover the technical aspects of the product or project4. Option B is incorrect because having sufficient process knowledge is not enough to perform a technical review, as process knowledge does not cover the technical aspects of the product or project4. Option D is incorrect because skipping any technical aspect can compromise the quality and completeness of the review, and may lead to defects or risks in the product or project5. References: 1: ISTQB Glossary, Reviewer 2: ISTQB Advanced Level Test Manager Syllabus, Section 2.2.2 3: ISTQBAdvanced Level Test Manager Syllabus, Section 2.2.3 4: ISTQB Advanced Level Test Manager Syllabus, Section 2.3.1 5: ISTQB Advanced Level Test Manager Syllabus, Section 2.3.2

In the context of a system with a large GUI front end, the biggest risk to the schedule when implementing formal scripted test cases early in the SDLC is the potential need for test maintenance due to changes in the presentation layer. This is because the GUI is often subject to change, especially in theearly stages of development, as feedback is received and design adjustments are made. These changes can render early test scripts obsolete, requiring updates and maintenance, which can be time-consuming and delay the testing schedule.

References: The answer is supported by the ISTQB Advanced Level Test Manager Syllabus, which emphasizes the importance of considering the volatility of the test object when planning test case design and implementation.

 A model-based testing strategy is a testing strategy that uses models to represent the desired behavior and structure of the system under test, and to derive test cases, test data, test procedures, and test oracles1. A model-based testing strategy requires an activity to select an appropriate quality standard, such as ISO 9126, to be used to guide the testing. A quality standard is a set of criteria, guidelines, or characteristics that define the quality attributes of a software product, such as functionality, reliability, usability, efficiency, maintainability, and portability2. A quality standard can help to define the quality requirements, objectives, and measures for the system under test, and to evaluate the quality of the test results and the test process3. Therefore, option C is the correct answer. Option A is incorrect because conducting a quality risk analysis with all affectedstakeholders is not an activity specific to a model-based testing strategy, but rather a general testing activity that can be applied to any testing strategy. A quality risk analysis is a process of identifying and assessing the quality risks that may affect the system under test, and prioritizing them based on their impact and likelihood4. Option B is incorrect because conducting operational profiling to determine the expected usage of the system is not an activity specific to a model-based testing strategy, but rather an activity related to a usage-based testing strategy. An operational profile is a statistical representation of the relative frequencies of the inputs, operations, and operating conditions of a system in its operational environment. Option D is incorrect because creating the test charters for the exploratory testing sessions is not an activity specific to a model-based testing strategy, but rather an activity related to an exploratory testing strategy. A test charter is a document that defines the scope, objective, and approach of an exploratory testing session. References: 1: ISTQB Glossary, Model-Based Testing 2: ISTQB Glossary, Quality Standard 3: ISTQB Advanced Level Test Manager Syllabus, Section 1.3.1 4: ISTQB Glossary, Quality Risk Analysis : ISTQB Glossary, Operational Profile : ISTQB Glossary, Test Charter : Model-Based Tester - ISTQB not-for-profit association : ISTQB Model-Based Testing Certification - ISTQB Exams Worldwide - ISTQB … : ISTQB - ABOUT MODEL-BASED TESTER EXT. : ISTQB® Certified Tester – Model-Based Tester (CT-MBT)

The most clear way to convey the current status to project stakeholders is to use a pie chart showing residual risk. This is because a risk-based approach focuses on identifying, analyzing, and prioritizing the risks that may affect the quality of the system, and allocating testing resources accordingly. A pie chart can visually represent the proportion of each risk category (such as high, medium, or low) in the overall risk profile, and show how much risk has been reduced or remains after testing. This can help the stakeholders to understand the current level of confidence in the system, and the potential impact of any remaining risks. References: Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Manager (CTAL-TM) - ISTQB not-for-profit association, ISTQB Test Manager Certification - ISTQB Exams Worldwide - ISTQB Official Registration, Managing the Test Team - ISTQB not-for-profit association

Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) is a technique used to analyze the causes of faults (defects). The technique visually models how logical relationships between failures, human errors, and external events can combine to cause specific faults to disclose1. FTA can help to determine the root cause of observed and potential failures by tracing back the fault events to their initiating causes and identifying the combinations of events that can lead to the fault occurrence2. Therefore, option A is the correct answer. Option B is incorrect because FTA is not used to select the pairs of items to be used in pairwise testing, which is a technique to generate test cases based on the combinations of two input parameters. Option C is incorrect because FTA is not a formal technique used to identify the likely effects of risks, which are uncertain events or conditions that may have a positive or negative impact on the project objectives. Option D is incorrect because FTA is not used to target defect-based testing, which is a testing technique that uses information about the types, causes, and locations of defects discovered in previous projects to guide the selection, creation, and prioritization of test cases. References: 1: Fault Tree Analysis | ISTQB Glossary 2: Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) - Software Testing Genius : ISTQB Glossary, Pairwise Testing : ISTQB Glossary, Risk : ISTQB Glossary, Defect-Based Test Technique : Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) - Software Testing Genius : Fault Tree Analysis | ISTQB Glossary

A distributed model for testing is a testing model that involves testers working in different locations, time zones, or organizations, such as onshore, offshore, or nearshore1. The primary factor that you should consider with this model is the alignment of methodologies, which means that the testers follow the same or compatible testing processes, standards, tools, and techniques, regardless of their location, time zone, or organization2. The alignment of methodologies can help to ensure the consistency, quality, and efficiency of the testing activities, as well as to facilitate the communication, coordination, and collaboration among the testers3. Therefore, option A is the correct answer. Option B is incorrect because co-location of test team is not a factor that you should consider with a distributed model for testing, but rather a factor that is contrary to a distributed model for testing. Co-location of test team means that the testers work in the same physical location, which can have some advantages, such as easier communication, faster feedback, and stronger team spirit, but also some disadvantages, such as higher costs, limited resources, and less diversity4. Option C is incorrect because provision of growth opportunities for the individual testers is not a factor that you should consider with a distributed model for testing, but rather a factor that is relevant to any testing model. Provision of growth opportunities for the individual testers means that the testers are given the chance to learn new skills, gain new experiences, and advance their careers, which can have some benefits, such as increased motivation, productivity, and retention of the testers. Option D is incorrect because planned vs. actual hours is not a factor that you should consider with a distributed model for testing, but rather a factor that is relevant to any testing model. Planned vs. actual hours is a testing metric that compares the estimated and the actual effort spent on the testing activities, which can help to measure the accuracy of the test estimation, the efficiency of the test execution, and the variance of the test schedule. References: 1: ISTQB Glossary, Distributed Testing 2: Distributed Testing - Software Testing Fundamentals 3: ISTQB Advanced Level Test Manager Syllabus, Section 3.2.1 4: Co-located vs. Distributed Teams: What’s the Difference? : How to Provide Growth Opportunities for Employees : Software Testing Metrics: What is, Types & Example

The correct answer is A. The Test Manager uses this information to control the test execution effort. This is because traceability information regarding the relationship between test results and test conditions can help the Test Manager to measure and evaluate the test progress, quality, and coverage, and to take corrective actions when necessary. For example, the Test Manager can use this information to identify and prioritize the test conditions that have not been tested yet, to analyze the test results and the defect status, and to adjust the test execution plan and schedule accordingly. Test Monitoring and Control - ISTQB not-for-profit association References: Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Manager (CTAL-TM) - ISTQB not-for-profit association, ISTQB Test Manager Certification - ISTQB Exams Worldwide - ISTQB Official Registration, Test Monitoring and Control - ISTQB not-for-profit association

A management review, particularly in the context of software testing and quality assurance, often involves an external group or higher-level management team that reviews the processes and procedures to ensure compliance with specified standards or objectives. This can include assessing the effectiveness of current practices, identifying areas for improvement, and ensuring that the project aligns with organizational or industry standards. This type of review is distinct from other forms of reviews like technical reviews or walkthroughs, which might focus more on the technical aspects or consistency of system requirements.

The technique that will assist you in determining targeted improvement areas to reduce the number of defects is Pareto analysis. This is because Pareto analysis is a method of identifying and prioritizing the most significant causes of defects, based on the principle that 80% of the problems are caused by 20% of the causes. By applying Pareto analysis, you can focus on the improvement areas that will have the most impact on reducing the number of defects. Pareto Analysis - ISTQB not-for-profit association References: Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Manager (CTAL-TM) - ISTQB not-for-profit association, ISTQBTest Manager Certification - ISTQB Exams Worldwide - ISTQB Official Registration, Pareto Analysis - ISTQB not-for-profit association

The correct answer is D. The test case is traceable to the test condition and provides 100% statement coverage of the defined test condition. This is because the test case is derived from the test condition, and it covers all the possible outcomes of the test condition, such as the initial state, the input, and the expected output. Statement coverage is a metric that measures the percentage of executable statements that are exercised by a test case. In this case, the test case exercises all the statements in the test condition, thus achieving 100% statement coverage. Statement Coverage - ISTQB not-for-profit association References: Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Manager (CTAL-TM) - ISTQB not-for-profit association, ISTQB Test Manager Certification - ISTQB Exams Worldwide - ISTQB Official Registration, Statement Coverage - ISTQB not-for-profit association

The effectiveness of a review process can be measured by how well it detects and removes defects from the work products being reviewed1. One of the metrics that can indicate the defect detection capability of a review process is the number of defects found in production for each module that was reviewed2. This metric can show how many defects escaped the review process and were not detected until the software was deployed. A lower number of defects found in production means a higher review effectiveness. Therefore, option A is the correct answer. Option B is incorrect because the development language used to create each module that was reviewed is not relevant to the review process effectiveness. Option C is incorrect because the elapsed time between each module’s review and its corresponding deployment into production is not a measure of defect detection or removal, but rather a measure of development speed or efficiency. Option D is incorrect because the business criticality of each module that was reviewed is not a measure of defect detection or removal, but rather a measure of risk or priority. References: 1: ISTQB Advanced Level Test Manager Syllabus, Section 2.3.2 2: Software Testing Metrics: What is, Types & Example

When faced with the inability to complete all items on the high-risk mitigation list within the remaining time, the most effective action is to communicate the current progress and challenges to the stakeholders. This allows for a collaborative decision-making process to re-prioritize the remaining high-risk items and potentially secure additional resources or time to address them.

References:The ISTQB Advanced Level Test Manager syllabus emphasizes the importance of continuous monitoring and control of test activities to achieve project objectives, which includes assessing and reporting relevant and timely test status to project stakeholders123. It also highlights the need for test managers to organize and lead risk identification and analysis sessions, and use the results for test planning, monitoring, and control2.

Test-driven development (TDD) is a core principle of Agile software development. In TDD, test cases are created before the code is written, and the code is developed to pass these tests. This approach emphasizes requirements and solutions evolving through collaborative effort and is a key practice in Agile methodologies12.

References:The Agile Alliance describes TDD as a style of programming tightly interwoven with coding, testing, and design, which is a fundamental aspect of Agile development3. Wikipedia also notes that TDD is related to the test-first programming concepts of extreme programming, an Agile methodology

This is because test-driven development (TDD) is a style of programming in which coding, testing, and design are tightly interwoven. TDD is a core principle of agile software development, which is an iterative and adaptive approach that values customer collaboration, working software, and responding to change. Agile Alliance References: Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Manager (CTAL-TM) - ISTQB not-for-profit association, ISTQB Test Manager Certification - ISTQB Exams Worldwide - ISTQB Official Registration, What is Test Driven Development (TDD)? | Agile Alliance

Performance testing is the process of determining the speed, responsiveness, and stability of a system under a given workload1. Performance testing should be started as early aspossible in the software development lifecycle, preferably during unit and integration testing, to identify and resolve performance issues before they become costly or risky2. Starting performance testing early can also help to validate the performance requirements, design, and architecture of the system, as well as to optimize the performance testing strategy and scope3. Therefore, option A is the correct answer. Option B is incorrect because deferring the start of performance testing until all functional defects have been resolved can delay the detection and resolution of performance issues, increase the cost and effort of performance testing, and reduce the confidence and quality of the system4. Option C is incorrect because leveraging end users to do unit-level performance testing and automated tools for system-level performance testing can introduce inconsistency, bias, and inefficiency in the performance testing process, as well as compromise the reliability and validity of the performance test results. Option D is incorrect because requiring all performance tests to pass before starting functional testing can create unrealistic or unnecessary expectations, as well as hinder the progress and feedback of the functional testing activities. References: 1: ISTQB Glossary, Performance Testing 2: ISTQB® Certified Tester - Performance Testing (CT-PT)3 3: ISTQB® Performance Testing - TesterYou4 4: Performance Testing - ISTQB not-for-profit association : ISTQB - PERFORMANCE TESTING : Performance Testing - ISTQB not-for-profit association

The correct answer is B. Planning. This is because test metrics are quantitative measures that are used to monitor and control the test process, and to evaluate the test results and quality. Test metrics should be defined during the planning step of the Fundamental Test Process, which is the activity of establishing the test objectives, scope, approach, resources, schedule, and deliverables. By defining the methods to be used to collect test metrics during the planning step, the test team can ensure that the test metrics are aligned with the test plan and the project goals, and that the data collection process is consistent and efficient. Test Metrics - ISTQB not-for-profit association References: Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Manager (CTAL-TM) - ISTQB not-for-profit association, ISTQB Test Manager Certification - ISTQB Exams Worldwide - ISTQB Official Registration, Test Metrics - ISTQB not-for-profit association